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WiFi, in-seat service among fan enhancements in 2013

Michigan International Speedway is known for being at the forefront of enhancing the fan experience. In 2013, MIS will become the first track in NASCAR to offer free WiFi hotspots to fans.

The speedway will launch even more initiatives in 2013 aimed at making the experience at MIS enjoyable and memorable.

“Nothing can beat the live experiences, the sights, the feel and the smell of a race,” track president Roger Curtis said. “Now we’ve added part of the technology element that fans are accustomed to at home. Like viewers at home, fans at MIS will now be able to check their NASCAR fantasy league scores, tweet, facebook and text.”

Free WiFi hotspots will be available throughout the property this year. Available WiFi locations include the Budweiser Party Porch in turn four, Champion’s Club presented by CP Federal Credit Union, Pit Patio, MISCamping.com APEX and MISCamping.com Turn 2 Retreat.

Additional WiFi hotspots will be explored and created in the coming years. Curtis added it would be difficult to launch hotspots across the entire 1,400-acre MIS in one swoop. So he’s starting in popular areas where fans gather and working his way out.

The free WiFi will be available to all cell phone carriers, though Sprint is always the preferred cell service at MIS.

Fans can now stay up to date on the latest happenings in NASCAR and set their fantasy line up right from the track. They can use the app, download interactive maps, even buy tickets – all using the free WiFi.

And since 20 percent of its fanbase comes from Canada, this will be a great opportunity for all of the international guests to stay in contact with their families back across the border.

Also new in 2013, MIS will have in-seat service to allow guests to purchase favorite snacks or beverages right from their seat. Auto racing isn’t baseball. There’s no logical halftime break in the action, and it’s not exactly quiet to take and relay orders or change.

So to make the process easier, the vendors will have the items printed on their shirts with prices. Guests can simply point to what they want – beer, water, soda, Gatorade and peanuts.

The service will start two hours prior to the race and will end with about 25 laps remaining. All sales are cash only.

Michigan International Speedway has invested more than $75 million into various capital improvement projects since 2006. A season after becoming the fastest track in NASCAR, MIS continues to enhance the experience for its fans.

Another process has already started and, while it may not be glamorous or a sexy improvement, the infield campers will see new bathroom facilities in 2013. In addition, three restroom facilities in the center grandstand will also be demolished and reconstructed. The facilities at B10, B13 and B14 will be expanded and feature upgrades.

The upgrades do not end there, as guests that use the restroom facilities at B6, B7 and B8 will find completely refurbished restroom areas.

The MISCamping.com Tree Farm Campground is expanding by 26 new sites. All of the new campsites will be along the tree line, considered some of the best spots at MIS. The new campsites were made available when MIS redesigned its tram route to enhance the fan experience. The campground is located behind the Turn 3 grandstands off of M-50 Highway.